Dressing Like Jane Austen

I must say, I have a love for all things Jane Austen.  When I heard about the "I Love Austen Week" hosted by Hamlette I knew I had to participate (even though vacation planning put me almost too late.) There are lots of fun reviews currently being posted by all sorts of Jane Austen lovers right here, and I highly suggest you go check them out if you too are a fan of her works. And if you are not familiar with Jane Austen, you especially should go look around, and be prepared to find a new wondrous world opened up to you!

My post today is a quick look at how we can find ways to create our own regency wear with what we have on hand in today's world.

The First basic item, of course, is your gown.  The fabric, style, and colors can very depending on the type of event you are attending, or your own personal preferences. I chose my colors when I was sixteen, and this was my first historical project, so my colors are a bit darker than period accurate - but I liked them anyway. ;) I have worked with the Simplicity pattern 4055 with much success (pictured here) and Butterick B6074 (with alterations and changes because it was far less agreeable.)

Next are accessories.  Elbow length gloves are perfect (watch that you match creams and/or whites, depending on your gown color!) Also a small reticule is great to have to hold your personal items for the night. Thrift stores and antique stores are probably the best places to start looking for these.

Jewelry is not difficult.  Simplicity was valued, so a modest set of pearls or a small cross on a chain will accent the dress nicely. Hair adornments were also a favorite, and really such fun! I found all of these at Charming Charlies.

Don't forget to go join the fun yourself, and look around!

Spring Lovelies

"It smells like warm!" - Sammy, one of the first days we opened the windows to let the sunshine and fresh spring breezes in.  I sat playing the piano, and he sat in the rocking chair next to me, simply staring outside and watching the robins and the flowers and the neighbors.  This spring Aly was in a production of Mary Poppins, the girls hosted their very own tea party, and I sewed both my sister's theatre costume and a dress for myself. --- In between the business of the season, we spent quite a bit of time enjoying the spring weather. I would carry all of my devotional items outside and Sam all of his coloring supplies and we'd sit on the back deck together.  We also played catch, picked flowers, washed rearranged the dirt on my car, and listened to a lot of K-Love.

Fall 2015

 

go to my photography blog for Hadley's maternity shoot! --> http://blueskyephotography.blogspot.com/2015/10/hadley-maternity.html